Top 3 Tips to Avoid Foreclosure if You’re Struggling to Pay Mortgage

As you’re heading out of the holiday season, you may have found some extra time to research how you can avoid foreclosure. I applaud your taking the first and most important step in improving your situation—seeking help!

Here are the top three things you should focus on when exploring foreclosure alternatives:

1.      Create a Budget: When seeking an arrangement with your lender you must prove the monthly income shortfall that keeps you from making your mortgage payments. Create an itemized list detailing your monthly income and expenses. Pull together bank statements and check stubs for the last three months.

2.      Know your Options: It’s important to know you have several options to consider so you take advantage of the solution that is best for your specific situation. Find out more about your options on my website here: www.kristinecanhelp.com

3.      Contact an Experienced Agent: A licensed agent who has undergone specialized training is vital to successfully navigating foreclosure avoidance. I’m extensively trained to provide you with the information you’ll need to execute a strategy tailored to your situation.

Most major lenders have granted a two-week foreclosure holiday from December 20-31. The sooner you call me, the more options you’ll have to prevent foreclosure and get back on track for a prosperous 2011!

Making Sense of Mortgage Modification

There has been much in the news in the past few weeks about mortgage modifications for homeowners who are having trouble making their house payments. Many are having difficulty qualifying for modifications, and so far the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) has had disappointing results.

I have helped people to avoid having to move out of their home by going through a loan modification.

As a CDPE, I feel it’s my duty to help anyone I can during these hard times. If you would like to know more about mortgage modifications and whether or not you might qualify, please feel free to contact me. Kristine Jones@ kristinejones@edinarealty.com

The Washington Post recently reported that "troubled homeowners who receive housing counseling are 60% more likely to avoid foreclosure and have their mortgage payments lowered significantly than borrowers who navigate the process themselves." I can help homeowners facilitate the process of loan modification and discuss other alternatives to foreclosure if a modification is not an option.

Honesty and Ethics

It is very unfortunate that so many Realtors lack these skills and therefore give all Realtors a bad rap. If I say it too much, forgive me, but I love what I do and have a trues passion for Real Estate. I get a high when I am able to help someone through a tough situation such as a short sale in the same way I am so excited to hand a first time buyer the keys to their very first home. Know that there are truly Realtors out there that have your back. Make sure you feel comfortable and your gut feels right with who you are working with.

Short Sales

What in the world is a short sale?
Do you keep hearing about short sales and foreclosure and wonder what in the world people are talking about. Does it sound like a foreigh language? Let me shed some light on what a short sale is.
The term "short sale" referrs to a real estate transaction in which the seller/owner is selling the property and owes more on it than it is worth. As an example, a couple purchased a home a few years ago for $200K and now one of them has lost their job and they can no longer afford the property and need to sell. After doing a market analysis on the property is appears the property is only worth $150K. This couple does not have $50K plus expenses to bring to the closing to clear the debt, so we ask the bank to allow the seller to sell the home "short" for the $150K amount. The seller is still the owner but needs the bank to agree before they can sell.
It is usually not a very "short" process, but it can help sellers maintain dignity in the light of the situation.
I am a CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert) who is trained to handle short sales.

Who is Kristine?

Hello, Let me take a moment to introduce myself to you. I am a realtor with Edina Realty who is PASSIONATE about what I do. I love working with people and helping them with one of the biggest decisions of their life.
I grew up in Scott County, MN. The daughter of a dairy farmer. Hard work, honesty and integrity were just a few of the skills I learned at an early age.
Serving clients in Carver, Scott, Dakota, Hennepin, and Wright County.
The real estate market is one you don't want to handle by yourself these days.
I am a CDPE, which in real estate lingo means "Certified Distressed Property Expert", which means I can help people through a short sale.
From first time buyers, short sales, traditional sales, new construction, lake homes and anything in between. I am your resource.